Ralph R. Overley

Ralph R. Overley, 85, of Wyomissing, passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Columbia Cottage.

Born in West Reading on December 2, 1935, he was a son of the late Winfield and Marie B. (Dougherty) Overley.

Ralph grew up in Kenhorst and attended Fairview Grade School and Shillington High School. He was in the first class to graduate from Governor Mifflin High School in 1954 during which time he played baseball.

After graduation, Ralph joined the U.S. Navy for four years serving during the Korean War on the USS Marias AO-57 in the Mediterranean Sea as a signalman / quartermaster 2nd class petty officer where he received a good conduct service medal. Ralph ship USS Marias was home ported in Barcelona, Spain for 18 months. Ralph met and married his wife, Maria Lusia during the 2nd 18 months Cruise Home Ported in Barcelona, Spain. Each year the sailors of the ship would meet at various U.S. cities and spend the week touring and chanting about their great duty in Barcelona, Spain. In 2005, the shipmates and wives held the reunion at Barcelona, Spain. A Barcelona newspaper reporter met the group and took photos and wrote a story about the reunions for the local paper.

Upon an honorary discharge from the Navy, Ralph started working in 1958 at Carpenter Technology Corporation in various departments. During this period, he attended under the GI Bill night classes at Penn State Extension receiving a degree in Business and Industrial Management. Ralph then transferred to the Purchasing Department in 1968 and eventually became a Senior Buyer. He retired from purchasing at Carpenter Technology after 35 years in 1992 at age 58. After retirement Ralph worked for the Liquor Control Board for four years at various state stores in Berks County.

Throughout life, Ralph was a Philadelphia Eagles, Penn State and Phillies fan. He also loved to play golf; made a hole in one at Monroe Valley and also like to bowl.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, West Reading.

Ralph was a member of the Purchasing Management Association, Industrial Management and Administration Management Associations where he served on various committees. Ralph was also a member of the American Legion Post #12 and Knights of Columbus Council 16866 and volunteered for Meals on Wheels for three years with his wife, Luisa.

Ralph was predeceased by his wife of over 59 years, Maria Luisa (Soto) Overley who passed away on August 24, 2016; and his two sisters, Shirley Marie (DeBeck) Overley and Ruth Ellen Overley.

He is survived by one sister, Judith L. Newas, FL; four brothers, W. Scott Overley, Exeter Township, Benjamin D. Overley, Mt. Penn; Patrick B. Overley, Sebastian, FL; and Timothy Overley, Mohnton. Several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews also survive him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August 27, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, West Reading with entombment to follow at Gethsemane Mausoleum Cemetery, Laureldale. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ralph's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.